sonnets of charlotte

A collection of sonnets commemorating the life of my great-grandmother.

charlotte greenwood

I had the great privilege of knowing my maternal great-grandmother, Charlotte Greenwood. She left behind stories, photos, and memories. This collection began as way to commemorate her life in a more visual, poetic way.

I hope you find that these poems do just that.

Down River, 1921

My tartan skirt is ebbing with the moon

Beneath, the lapping waters swallow fish

While tapping, metal rings keep beat and tune

Across the sprays of salt that leap and kiss.

Upon my shoulder, Otto rests his chin

To tell me not to fear the water’s depth;

I feel the warmth of thick New England skin

Lovingly reside beside my neck.

The flatbread shore has dipped into the lake

To season the cold sand with greater spices

And once the boat and stern are slowly baked

The sun will turn its ladle as suffices

To taste our buttered laughs that rise and quiver,

In water wheels that spin across the river.

Playing Cards, early 1900s

A suit jacket, found wedged between glass panes
Relinquishes pressed creases in the breeze.
The china sets encircle ring-like stains
Embedded in the wood, scented lemon, pine, and tea.
Amongst the crabapple’s fragrant delight,
The chickadees flit between glossy leaves,
Small rose-like buds flicker in mottled light,
The umbrage offers a quiet reprieve.
Against wood grain, men’s knuckles knock and scrape,
With secrecy, paper cards are tended.
A faulty move: the outcome takes its shape.
From freshly scattered hay, laughter ascended.
When games are played in company of friends,
The journey is joyful, no matter the end.